The 8 life skills every child should learn

The world is a starkly different place today than it was when you were born, so naturally, today’s kids have a starkly different childhood to the one you experienced and are often raised with different values.

A couple of months ago, we asked you, the Over60 community, to share the one life skill they believe every child should learn, and you certainly delivered! Here, we take a look at eight of the best responses.

1. The three “R”s

“How about reading writing and arithmetic – how many employers have stated that prospective employees cannot spell? And who has been in a shop and bought something for, let’s say, $15.40 and you give the checkout person $20.40 and then watch the look on their faces as they try to figure out what to do. It is heart breaking.” – Derek Herbert.

2. C.R.I.M.E.

“I always believed it was a CRIME if children were not raised with C. Compassion, R. Respect, I. Integrity, M. Manners, E. Empathy.” – Joan Kindelan.

3. Remembering names

“Being able to readily remember people’s names. Liberace could remember people’s names, their partner’s names and the names of their kids, even months after he last spoke to the person.” – Bryan Silvester.

4. Cooking

“Children will never remember your furniture no matter the cost, but will always remember the beautiful aromas of a roast, a cake, cupcakes spaghetti... and how proud they were baking.” – Annie Leicester.

5. Kindness

“Respect and love for their fellow human being. All is nothing without that.” – Helen Payne.

6. Community

“How to mix with others, how to respect others, how to write and understand their native language.” – Michael David Mason.

7. Helping others

“Volunteering – either in childcare or aged care – helps build character and prepares them for parenthood, as well as helping them understand the older generation and bridge the age divide.” – Muriel Mueslie Bic.

8. Domestic skills

“Wash, iron, clean, cook, sew etc… I am a bit old fashioned, but I taught my daughter to do all the above.” – Sue Young.

What life skill do you think every parent should teach their child? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.